When can I bathe wounds

[Greedyfly]

I had an ankle Arthroscopy about four weeks ago and now both wounds have scabbed over - finally. Is it ok for me to bathe my ankle now. When I had my dressings removed I was told to keep it dry, but she never said how long for. Ive kept it dry up to now because I was having healing issues. Im now on Anti biotics and desperate for a soak in the bath. What do you guys think?

[rowanwitch]

can you put your foot in a plastic bag or wrap it in clingfilm so you can do the rest of you

[boxtops]

Nibble had his op on 11 Feb, he's planning to have a shower with his leg in a bin liner.

[woofgang]

I would wait until the scabs are off and you have clean healed skin. Take no risks

[woofgang]

AND NO PICKING TO HURRY IT UP lol

[Eve]

Are you able to prop your foot up somehow if you aren't sure if to get it wet?

I had similar trying to shower with dressings on a post surgery infected wound under my belly button. Ended up trying to tape a bit of carrier bag on so I should shower properly and wash my hair (difficult to bend to try and get hair washed too other than in shower) but it didn't work very well. Tried waterproof plasters but not very good so got some waterproof dressings from Superdrug which seem good so far, much more sealed - they were on offer too, two packs for £4 something, think 5 per pack. Quite small though, fine for me, depends how big your wound is?

[Greedyfly]

ive got something to cover the wound which I use to shower with. I want to know if I can soak the leg/wounds now they have scabbed. The skin on my leg has gotten tough due to keeping it dry for so long.

[woofgang]

No you cant soak the leg/wound. Wait until the scabs are off of their own accord and you have clean healed skin. Soaking the scabs will soften them and stop them doing their job which is to be a barrier between the wounds and the dirty world. Bathwater especially is germy stuff.

[Greedyfly]

I promise no picking. Might just have a bath and wash leg then keep it over the side so it isnt soaking. Ive googled and alot of sites say bath after 48 hours but that seems a little soon. I can't remember how long I left it last time. Thanks guys

[woofgang]

Dont forget that any advice you read online will be for people who haven't had healing issues and needed antibiotics. You are special and need to behave accordingly. :-)

[Greedyfly]

For those who have had leg/arm surgery there is a company called Limbo. They sell covers which is waterproof. Have been a god send with all the surgery ive had. Ok guys you have convinced me not to bath. Thanks

[bednobs]

can you get in then run the water?